ISLAMABAD: Pakistan have launched preparations for a crucial home Test series against Sri Lanka, with head coach Mike Hesson pushing for pace-friendly pitches and a possible overhaul of the playing combination as the team seeks to revive its struggling red-ball fortunes.
Sri Lanka set for a pace-heavy approach as green surface expected in the 1st Test against Pakistan.
The visitors are expected to field four fast bowlers alongside a frontline spinner. Kusal Mendis will keep wickets in his first Test as captain, while uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Anjala Bandara will not make his debut in Rawalpindi.
A balanced yet aggressive combination as Sri Lanka look to make a strong start in the WTC series. #pakvsl— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) November 6, 2026
The national side held its first training session at Islamabad Club on Friday, with five squad members taking part in batting, bowling and fielding drills under the supervision of the coaching staff.
The two-match series, part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27, will begin in Rawalpindi on November 9, followed by the second Test in Lahore from November 17.
Pakistan’s preparations come after a difficult year in Test cricket, during which the Green-shirts have lost six of their seven matches, suffered two series whitewashes and managed only one victory.
🚨 DEBUT TEST CALL-UPS FOR YOUNG PACERS. 🇵🇰
– Ubaid Shah and Saqib Khan are likely to be included as two additional pacers in Pakistan’s Test squad for the Sri Lanka series.
– Saqib Khan and Ubaid Shah each took four wickets during the warm-up game.
– Sri Lanka beat the Pakistan Patrons XI by 142 runs in the warm-up game.
— Rayham. (@RayhamUnplugged) November 6, 2026
Hesson seeks change with pace-friendly home pitches
Sources said Hesson has instructed ground staff to prepare lively surfaces for both Tests against Sri Lanka, offering greater assistance to fast bowlers.
The move signals a shift in Pakistan’s home strategy as the team looks to improve its performances on pace-friendly pitches, particularly after struggling during overseas assignments.
MIKE HESSON ON A MISSION!
Pakistan’s all-format head coach Mike Hesson has advised pitch curators to prepare bouncy pitches that assist fast bowlers ahead of the Test series against Sri Lanka.
He also confirmed that he was the one who advised Babar Azam to feature in a Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match on a green wicket to prepare for the upcoming Test series.
— Mian Ahmad (@MianAhmad_56) November 4, 2026
Pakistan have endured a disappointing run, losing both Tests in Bangladesh before suffering a 3-0 whitewash against England in their most recent series. Their only victory in seven Tests this year came in the West Indies, while another series ended in a 1-1 draw.
Despite having already played seven Tests across three overseas series, Pakistan are set to feature in their first home Test of the year in November.
Major changes expected in Pakistan’s playing combination
The team management is considering significant changes, with five players from the playing XI that featured in the final Test against England reportedly no longer part of its immediate plans.
They include Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, Mohammad Imran and Mohammad Ali.
Shan Masood, who scored 95 in the first innings of the Birmingham Test, is also reportedly facing uncertainty over his place, with the management keen to provide opportunities to younger players.
Read Also: Babar, Saud and Shan Rise in ICC Test Rankings Despite Pakistan’s England Whitewash
Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal have emerged as leading contenders for the opening positions as Pakistan look to build a new opening combination.
Following the three-day practice match against Sri Lanka, fast bowlers Mohammad Abbas and Razaullah are also expected to strengthen Pakistan’s options.
Babar Azam returns to domestic cricket to regain form
Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam is also working to rediscover his batting rhythm after being advised by Hesson to feature in domestic four-day cricket.
Babar, who is part of Pakistan’s Test squad, has been representing his side in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2026-27. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ghazi Ghori is also scheduled to join the national contingent after his domestic commitments.
Read Also: Babar Azam Must Evolve to Reclaim His Place Among Cricket’s Elite
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made participation in domestic competitions compulsory for centrally contracted players, aiming to ensure that national cricketers remain active in longer-format cricket.
Pakistan begin training ahead of series opener
According to the PCB, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Abbas, Razaullah, Arafat Minhas and Saud Shakeel participated in Friday’s two-hour training session at Islamabad Club.
The players went through batting, bowling and fielding drills as preparations gathered pace ahead of the opening Test.
The PCB Patrons XI recently faced Sri Lanka in a three-day practice match, which the visitors won by 142 runs. The team management is expected to assess the performances before finalising its playing combination for the series.
Pakistan are currently ranked ninth among 10 teams in the ICC Test rankings and also occupy ninth place in the World Test Championship 2025-27 standings.
The management hopes that a combination of fresh talent, improved fast-bowling conditions and a more assertive approach will help Pakistan regain their competitiveness in Test cricket.
Read Also: South Africa Dethrone Australia to Claim Top Spot in ICC Test Rankings
Pakistan Test squad: The 14-member Pakistan squad comprises Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Sameer Minhas and Saud Shakeel.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test series schedule: The first Test will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 9 to 13, 2026, while the second Test is scheduled at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from November 17 to 21, 2026.
